Portable speaker with orientation-dependent equalization

ABSTRACT

Various aspects include portable speakers and methods of controlling such speakers. In a particular implementation, a portable loudspeaker includes: a controller configured to control an audio output according to at least two distinct equalization profiles and in at least two distinct physical orientations, where the controller is configured to switch between two of the distinct equalization profiles in response to detecting a change in physical orientation of the portable loudspeaker between two of the distinct physical orientations, where the switch between the two distinct equalization profiles is either: a) modified by a hysteresis factor, or b) smoothed according to a predefined pattern.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to controlling audio output inportable speakers. More particularly, the disclosure relates toapproaches for controlling an audio output in a portable loudspeakeraccording to the physical orientation in the loudspeaker.

BACKGROUND

Portable loudspeakers provide flexibility for users to listen to audiowhile located in different environments, during travel, etc. Certainportable loudspeakers are configured for placement in a particularorientation to provide audio output, e.g., resting on a base and/orstanding on a support leg or other structure. However, many conventionalportable loudspeakers are not adaptable to provide a desired audiooutput while placed in distinct orientations.

SUMMARY

All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in anytechnically possible way.

Various aspects include portable loudspeakers and approaches forcontrolling audio output in portable loudspeakers. In certain aspects, aportable loudspeaker includes a controller configured to control audiooutput according to at least two distinct equalization profiles and inat least two distinct physical orientations. Equalization profiles canbe switched in response to detecting a change in physical orientation ofthe portable loudspeaker between two of the physical orientations, andthe switch can be either: a) modified by a hysteresis factor, or b)smoothed according to a predefined pattern.

In some particular aspects, a portable loudspeaker includes: acontroller configured to control an audio output according to at leasttwo distinct equalization profiles and in at least two distinct physicalorientations, where the controller is configured to switch between twoof the distinct equalization profiles in response to detecting a changein physical orientation of the portable loudspeaker between two of thedistinct physical orientations, as modified by a hysteresis factor.

In additional particular aspects, a method of controlling an audiooutput at a portable loudspeaker configured to operate with at least twodistinct equalization profiles in at least two distinct physicalorientations includes: detecting a change in the physical orientation ofthe portable loudspeaker; and switching between two of the distinctequalization profiles in response to detecting the change in physicalorientation of the portable loudspeaker, as modified by a hysteresisfactor.

Implementations may include one of the following features, or anycombination thereof.

In certain cases, the distinct equalization profiles include at leastthree equalization profiles.

In particular aspects, the loudspeaker further includes a transducercoupled with the controller for providing the audio output, and at leastone orientation sensor coupled with the controller for indicating thephysical orientation of the portable loudspeaker.

In certain cases, the orientation sensor is a single sensor. In certainadditional cases, two or more sensors are used to indicate orientation.Example sensors include one or more of: an inertial measurement unit(IMU), an accelerometer, or an optical sensor.

In some implementations, the hysteresis factor includes a time delaybetween the detected change in physical orientation and the switchbetween two of the distinct equalization profiles.

In particular cases, the time delay is at least 100 milliseconds (ms).In some examples, the time delay is at least 110 ms, 120 ms, 130 ms, 140ms, 150 ms, 160 ms, 170 ms, 180 ms, 190 ms or 200 ms.

In certain aspects, the portable loudspeaker is configured to providethe audio output in three distinct physical orientations according totwo distinct equalization profiles.

In some implementations, the controller is configured to smooth atransition between the distinct equalization profiles according to apredefined pattern. In particular cases, the transition is smoothedusing an exponential crossfade function, or a linear crossfade function.In particular examples, the crossfade duration is approximately 5 ms toapproximately 35 ms, and in more particular examples is approximately 20ms+/−5 ms to 10 ms.

In particular aspects, the controller is further configured to providean indicator to a user of the switch between the distinct equalizationprofiles. In some examples, the indicator includes at least one of:ducking audio, providing a visual indicator at the speaker (e.g.,lighting change and/or a tactile indicator such as a vibration), and/oran interface indicator such as on a connected device (e.g., smartdevice) or controller.

In certain cases, at least one of the equalization profiles includes apairing profile configured for outputting audio while the portableloudspeaker is in a stereo pair of loudspeakers or a stereo grouping ofloudspeakers.

In particular aspects, the pairing profile causes the controller toperform spectral matching with the portable loudspeaker and at least oneadditional loudspeaker in the stereo pair or the stereo grouping. Inadditional particular aspects, the pairing profile causes the controllerto perform spectral matching with the portable loudspeaker and at leastone additional loudspeaker in the stereo grouping, such as in a masterspeaker/worker speaker grouping.

In some implementations, the switch between two of the distinctequalization profiles produces a change in a perceptible radiationpattern of the audio output by a user.

In particular aspects, the controller is further configured to adjust anaudio output limit based on the switch between two of the distinctequalization profiles. In certain cases, the audio output limit can beadjusted by selecting distinct limiter(s), tuning one or more limiters,or adjusting at least one limiter in a set, such as increasing a highpass limiter relative to a low pass limiter.

In some implementations, the portable loudspeaker has a singletransducer.

In certain cases, the controller is configured to lock the equalizationprofile in response to a user command such that the equalization profiledoes not change in response to the detected change in physicalorientation.

In some aspects, the controller is configured to initiate ademonstration mode by: prompting a user to modify the physicalorientation of the portable loudspeaker; in a first mode: enabling theswitching between two of the distinct equalization profiles in responseto detecting the change in physical orientation; and in a second mode:disabling the switching between two of the distinct equalizationprofiles in response to detecting the change in physical orientation,such that a radiation pattern of the audio output differs sufficientlybetween the first mode and the second mode to be perceptible to theuser.

In particular examples, user prompts can include a user interface (UI)prompt, e.g., a prompt via one or more of: a connected smart device, aportable loudspeaker interface, or a connected controller interface.

Two or more features described in this disclosure, including thosedescribed in this summary section, may be combined to formimplementations not specifically described herein.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objectsand advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, andfrom the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of an environment illustrating aloudspeaker according to various implementations.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the loudspeaker of FIG. 1 in afirst orientation, according to various implementations.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the loudspeaker of FIG. 2 in a secondorientation, according to various implementations.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the loudspeaker of FIGS. 2 and 3 in athird orientation, according to various implementations.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a loudspeaker according to variousimplementations.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the loudspeaker in FIG. 5 according tovarious implementations.

FIG. 7 is a mapping diagram illustrating relationships betweenequalization profiles and speaker orientations according to variousimplementations.

It is noted that the drawings of the various implementations are notnecessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typicalaspects of the disclosure, and therefore should not be considered aslimiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numberingrepresents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted herein, various aspects of the disclosure generally relate toportable loudspeakers and related control methods. More particularly,aspects of the disclosure relate to controlling an audio output in aportable loudspeaker based on the loudspeaker's orientation.

Commonly labeled components in the FIGURES are considered to besubstantially equivalent components for the purposes of illustration,and redundant discussion of those components is omitted for clarity.Numerical ranges and values described according to variousimplementations are merely examples of such ranges and values, and arenot intended to be limiting of those implementations. In some cases, theterm “approximately” is used to modify values, and in these cases, canrefer to that value +/− a margin of error, such as a measurement error.

Aspects and implementations disclosed herein may be applicable to a widevariety of speaker systems, or loudspeakers. In some implementations, aportable loudspeaker such as a smart speaker or hand-held speaker systemis disclosed. Certain examples of loudspeakers are described as“portable” loudspeakers, which is to say, these loudspeakers have apower storage device (e.g., a battery) as well as connection for anexternal power source (e.g., a connection with an external power sourcesuch as an alternating current (AC) source). That is, the portableloudspeaker includes a hard-wired power connection, and can alsofunction using stored (e.g., battery) power. Additionally, a portableloudspeaker with “smart” capabilities (e.g., a portable smartloudspeaker) can have local network connectivity (e.g., to a wirelessfidelity, or Wi-Fi network), as well as direct device connectivity(e.g., via Bluetooth (BT) communication protocol, or Airplaycommunication protocol). It should be noted that although specificimplementations of loudspeakers primarily serving the purpose ofacoustically outputting audio are presented with some degree of detail,such presentations of specific implementations are intended tofacilitate understanding through provision of examples and should not betaken as limiting either the scope of disclosure or the scope of claimcoverage.

In various cases described herein, the portable loudspeaker includes aset of microphones, which in particular implementations, includes atleast one far field microphone. In certain of those implementations, theportable loudspeaker includes a set of microphones that includes aplurality of far field microphones. The far field microphones can enablevirtual personal assistant (VPA) functionality, e.g., using any of anumber of commercially available VPA systems.

Various particular implementations include portable loudspeakers andrelated methods of controlling an audio output at a portableloudspeaker. In various implementations, a portable loudspeaker (orsimply, speaker) is configured to switch between at least two distinctequalization profiles based on a detected change in the physicalorientation of the portable loudspeaker. For example, in some cases, thespeaker is configured to switch audio output between at least twodistinct equalization profiles in response to detecting a change in thephysical orientation of the speaker between two or more physicalorientations. In certain cases, the switch between two of the distinctequalization profiles is modified by a hysteresis factor. In additionalcases, the switch between two of the distinct equalization profiles issmoothed according to a predefined pattern. In any case, the speaker isconfigured to adjust equalization of the audio output based on deviceorientation. These configurations improve the user experience by moreclosely matching the equalization profile to the current deviceorientation.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative physical environment 10 including aportable loudspeaker 20 (e.g., with or without smart devicecapabilities) according to various implementations. As shown, theloudspeaker 20 can include an acoustic transducer 30 for providing anacoustic output to the environment 10. It is understood that thetransducer 30 can include one or more conventional transducers, such asa low frequency (LF) driver (or, woofer) and/or a high frequency (HF)driver (or, tweeter) for audio output to the environment 10. Inparticular implementations, the loudspeaker 20 has a single transducer30 for providing an audio output into environment 10.

In certain implementations, as indicated in phantom as optional, theloudspeaker 20 can also include a set of microphones 40. In someimplementations, the microphone(s) 40 includes a microphone arrayincluding a plurality of microphones. In particular examples, themicrophone(s) 40 include at least one far field microphone. Inparticular cases, the far field microphone(s) are configured to detectand process acoustic signals, in particular, human voice signals, at adistance of at least one meter (or one to two wavelengths) from a user.In these cases, the microphones 40 are configured to receive acousticsignals from the environment 10, such as voice signals from one or moreusers (one example user 50 shown). The microphone(s) 40 can also beconfigured to detect ambient acoustic signals within a detectable rangeof the loudspeaker 20.

The loudspeaker 20 can further include a communications module 60 forcommunicating with one or more other devices in the environment 10and/or in a network (e.g., a wireless network). In some cases, thecommunications module 60 can include a wireless transceiver forcommunicating with other devices in the environment 10. In other cases,the communications module 60 can communicate with other devices usingany conventional hard-wired connection and/or additional communicationsprotocols. In some cases, communications protocol(s) can include localarea wireless network communication protocol (e.g., a wireless fidelity(Wi-Fi) protocol using a wireless local area network (WLAN)), acommunication protocol such as IEEE 802.11 b/g or 802.11 ac, a cellularnetwork-based protocol (e.g., third, fourth or fifth generation (3G, 4G,5G cellular networks) or one of a plurality of internet-of-things (IoT)protocols, such as: Bluetooth, BLE Bluetooth, ZigBee (mesh LAN), Airplay(and variations), Chromecast (and variations), Z-wave (sub-GHz meshnetwork), 6LoWPAN (a lightweight IP protocol), LTE protocols, RFID,ultrasonic audio protocols, etc. In additional cases, the communicationsmodule 60 can enable the loudspeaker 20 to communicate with a remoteserver, such as a cloud-based server running an application for managinga virtual personal assistant (VPA) and/or equalization profiles. Invarious particular implementations, separately housed components inloudspeaker 20 are configured to communicate using one or moreconventional wireless transceivers. In certain implementations, as notedherein, the communications module 60 is configured to communicate withother devices and/or a network over both a local area wireless networkcommunication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi communication protocol) and at leastone additional communication protocol (e.g., a direct devicecommunication protocol). The additional communication protocol caninclude, e.g., Bluetooth or Airplay.

The loudspeaker 20 can further include a controller 70 coupled with thetransducer 30, the microphone(s) 40 and the communications module 60. Asdescribed herein, the controller 70 can be programmed to control one ormore audio output functions, including equalization profiles. Thecontroller 70 can include conventional hardware and/or softwarecomponents for executing program instructions or code according toprocesses described herein. For example, controller 70 can include oneor more processors, memory, communications pathways between components,and/or one or more logic engines for executing program code. In certainexamples, the controller 70 includes a microcontroller or processorhaving a digital signal processor (DSP), such that acoustic signals frommicrophone(s) 40, including the far field microphone(s), are convertedto digital format by analog to digital converters.

Controller 70 can be coupled with the transducer 30, microphone 40and/or communications module 60 via any conventional wireless and/orhardwired connection which allows controller 70 to send/receive signalsto/from those components and control operation thereof. In variousimplementations, controller 70, transducer 30, microphone 40 andcommunications module 60 are collectively housed in a speaker housing80.

For example, in some implementations, functions of the controller 70 canbe managed using a smart device 90 that is connected with theloudspeaker 20 (e.g., via any wireless or hard-wired communicationsmechanism described herein, including but not limited toInternet-of-Things (IoT) devices and connections). In some cases, thesmart device 90 can include hardware and/or software for executingfunctions of the controller 70 to manage audio output (e.g.,equalization profiles, audio playback selection, acoustic settings,etc.) in the loudspeaker 20. In particular cases, the smart device 90includes a smart phone, tablet computer, smart glasses, smart watch orother wearable smart device, portable computing device, etc. The smartdevice 90 can have an audio gateway, processing components, and one ormore wireless transceivers for communicating with other devices in theenvironment 10. For example, the wireless transceiver(s) can be used tocommunicate with the loudspeaker 20, as well as one or more connectedsmart devices within communications range. The wireless transceivers canalso be used to communicate with a server hosting a mobile applicationthat is running on the smart device 90, for example, an equalization(EQ) management engine 100.

The server can include a cloud-based server, a local server or anycombination of local and distributed computing components capable ofexecuting functions described herein. In various particularimplementations, the server is a cloud-based server configured to hostthe equalization management engine 100, e.g., running on the smartdevice 90. According to some implementations, the equalizationmanagement engine 100 can be downloaded to the user's smart device 90 inorder to enable functions described herein.

In various implementations, sensors 110 located at the loudspeaker 20and/or the smart device 90 can include at least one orientation sensorthat is coupled with the controller 70 for indicating the physicalorientation of the loudspeaker 20. In particular implementations, theorientation sensor(s) is physically located at the loudspeaker 20, e.g.,in, on or otherwise proximate the housing 80 of the loudspeaker 20. Incertain implementations, the orientation sensor is a single orientationsensor. In further implementations, the orientation sensor includes aplurality of orientation sensors. The orientation sensor(s) can includean inertial measurement unit (IMU), an accelerometer, and/or an opticalsensor. As described herein, inputs from sensors 110 (e.g., orientationsensor(s)) can contribute to calculating a hysteresis factor forswitching between the equalization profiles.

In additional implementations, sensors 110 can gather data about theenvironment 10 proximate to the loudspeaker 20. For example, the sensors110 can include a vision system (e.g., an optical tracking system or acamera) for obtaining data to identify the user 50 or another user inthe environment 10. The vision system can also be used to detect motionproximate the loudspeaker 20. In other cases, the microphone 40 (whichmay be included in the sensors 110) can detect ambient noise proximatethe loudspeaker 20 (e.g., an ambient SPL), in the form of acousticsignals. The microphone 40 can also detect acoustic signals indicatingvoice commands from the user 50. In some cases, one or more processingcomponents (e.g., central processing unit(s), digital signalprocessor(s), etc.), at the loudspeaker 20 and/or smart device 90 canprocess data from the sensors 110 to provide indicators of usercharacteristics and/or environmental characteristics to the equalizationmanagement engine 100. Additionally, in various implementations, theequalization management engine 100 includes logic for processing dataabout one or more signals from the sensors 110, as well as user inputsto the loudspeaker 20 and/or smart device 90.

The loudspeaker 20 can also include a power storage device 130 coupledwith a power connector 140. The power storage device 130 includes, forexample, an on-board battery enabling usage of the loudspeaker 20 whilethe power connector 140 is not connected with an external power source(e.g., an alternating current (AC) source such as a conventional poweroutlet). The battery can include any number of rechargeable orsingle-use batteries commonly used in portable electronic devices.

In some cases, as shown in FIG. 2 , the loudspeaker 20 includes a userinterface (UI) 150 including a set of user interface buttons 160enabling simplified control of functions at the loudspeaker 20. Inparticular cases, the interface buttons 160 include a power button 160Afor powering the loudspeaker 20 on/off. In additional cases, theinterface buttons 160 also include and at least one of: a pairing button160B for controlling an additional communication protocol connection(e.g., BT, or Airplay), at least one of a virtual personal assistant(VPA) button for controlling an active listening mode, a microphonecontrol button for enabling and/or disabling microphones 40, or amultifunction button (MFB) that enables playback control (e.g.,play/pause of playback with a tap, skipping playback tracks with adouble-press, rebooting with a press-and-hold, etc.), represented insimplified manner as a single button 160C. Volume control buttons 160Dand 160E are also illustrated. It is understood that a similar ordistinct user interface 150 (not shown) can also be presented on thesmart device 90, e.g., via the equalization management engine 100. Thisuser interface 150 can provide the same functions (e.g., buttons 160),or additional functions as those illustrated in the physical userinterface in FIG. 2 . In some cases, the loudspeaker 20 includes asuspension member 165, which can include a handle, hook, tether, meshmember, cable, etc. that enables suspension of the loudspeaker 20 from aprotrusion or hook.

FIG. 2 illustrates the loudspeaker 20 in a first orientation, e.g.,resting on a first side or base 170. FIG. 3 illustrates the loudspeaker20 in a second, distinct orientation, e.g., resting on a second side180. In certain implementations, the loudspeaker 20 can include one ormore stands for resting on the first side (e.g., base) 170, on thesecond side 180 and/or on a distinct side. In particular cases, theloudspeaker 20 is configured to be positioned in yet anotherorientation, e.g., a suspended or hanging orientation (Orientation(iii)) shown in FIG. 4 . In this case, the base 170 and second side 180are not in contact with a surface, e.g., the suspension member 165 isengaged with a protrusion 190 such as a hook or tab that is coupled to awall or other surface. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate top and bottom views,respectively, of the loudspeaker 20, illustrating additional features.In one example, a front grille 200 and a rear grille 210 are alsoillustrated, where the rear grille is particularly visible in FIG. 6 .FIG. 6 also illustrates stands 220, which can include ridges,protrusions, feet, etc. for facilitating resting the base 170 of theloudspeaker 20 on a surface such as a floor, tabletop, or any horizontalor approximately horizontal surface. Similar stands 220 can be locatedon other portions of the housing, e.g., along second side 180.

FIG. 7 shows a mapping table 500 illustrating example mappings oforientations of the loudspeaker 20 to equalization (EQ) profiles foraudio output at the transducer 30 (FIG. 1 ). With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the equalization management engine 100 manages equalization profilesin order to provide a desirable audio output from the loudspeaker 20according to the orientation of the loudspeaker 20. In particularexample cases, the equalization management engine 100 is configured tocontrol audio output at the transducer(s) 30 according to at least twodistinct equalization profiles and in at least two distinct physicalorientations. In the examples depicted in FIGS. 2-4 , the equalizationmanagement engine 100 is configured to control audio output at thetransducer(s) 30 according to at least three (3) distinct equalization(EQ) profiles in at least three orientations (Orientations (i), (ii),and (iii)). In the example mapping table in FIG. 7 , each of theOrientations (i), (ii), and (iii) is associated with a distinct EQprofile: EQ Profile I, EQ Profile II, and EQ Profile III, respectively.In various implementations, multiple orientations can be associated withthe same EQ profile (e.g., a fourth orientation (Orientation (iv)) beingassociated with EQ Profile III, or Orientation (iii) being associatedwith EQ profile II, both illustrated in phantom).

In particular examples, the equalization management engine 100 has onlytwo EQ profiles (e.g., EQ Profile I and EQ Profile II), with a first ofthe EQ profiles being a primary EQ profile and the second being asecondary EQ profile. In these examples, a majority of orientations areassociated with the primary EQ profile, and a minority of orientationsare associated with a secondary EQ profile. Even further, in certaincases, the loudspeaker 20 has only two or three practically usefulorientations. That is, the loudspeaker 20 can be configured to rest inonly two or three positions (e.g., including or excluding a suspendedorientation), such that two or three EQ profiles are available to theequalization management engine 100. In these cases, the loudspeaker 20can be shaped such that it rests on an approximately flat surface inonly two or three distinct orientations. In a particular example, theloudspeaker 20 is configured to provide the audio output in threedistinct physical orientations (e.g., Orientations (i)-(iii)) accordingto two distinct equalization profiles (e.g., EQ Profiles I and II).

Equalization profiles can be implemented as digital filters, whichfilter the incoming digital audio signals. These digital filters can befully defined by a linear constant coefficient difference equation, andimplemented as cascaded second-order sections. In certain cases, thesedigital filters are fixed for each equalization profile. In particularimplementations, the digital filters include biquad filters that aredefined by biquad (or, biquadratic) coefficients, which can distinguisha given filter from others. In various example implementations, a firstequalization profile (e.g., EQ Profile I) is associated with at least afirst orientation (e.g., Orientation (i), also called a “forward-firing”orientation). In some cases, EQ Profile I is also associated withanother orientation (e.g., Orientation (iii)). In certain of thesecases, EQ profile I is associated with a pass-through biquad filterhaving a biquad coefficient set of [1 0 0 1 0 0]. In some cases, thepass-through biquad filter has no more than nominal gain or phase impacton the incoming signal. In contrast, a second equalization profile(e.g., EQ Profile II) can be associated with a distinct orientation(e.g., Orientation (ii), also called an “up-firing” orientation). Inthese cases, EQ Profile II can include a distinct filter with a filtercoefficient set that differs (in a non-trivial manner) from the EQProfile I coefficient set. In any case, the digital filters appliedaccording to each EQ Profile differ, providing distinct audio outputs asdescribed herein.

In a particular example, the change in equalization between profiles(e.g., EQ Profile I versus EQ Profile II) is characterized by a changein equalization at mid-range or upper mid-range, to high frequencybands, e.g., around 1 kHz or higher. In certain cases, the change inequalization between profiles approximately balances compensating forthe directivity difference in an anechoic environment and compensatingfor the radiated power difference in-room. In some examples, theequalization change (e.g., from EQ Profile Ito EQ Profile II) ischaracterized by a rising high-frequency shelf, e.g., of approximately 6decibels (dB) or so around 10 kHz, with peaks and valleys along theshelf.

Equalization profiles can be switched in response to detecting a changein physical orientation of the portable loudspeaker between two of thephysical orientations. As noted herein, the change in orientation can beindicated by one or more orientation sensors (e.g., in sensors 110, FIG.1 ). In certain examples, the orientation change is indicated by asignal from an IMU on board the loudspeaker 20. In some implementations,the switch between two of the distinct equalization profiles produces achange in a perceptible radiation pattern of the audio output by theuser 50. This can be particularly evident to the user 50 when theorientation of the loudspeaker 20 remains the same during the switchbetween equalization profiles. That is, in a given orientation, the user50 will be able to perceive a change in the radiation pattern of theaudio output from the loudspeaker 20 when the equalization profiles areswitched. In certain implementations, the EQ profiles are selected toprovide an approximately consistent perceptible radiation pattern ofaudio output in the distinct orientations, such that in response to achange in orientation, the equalization management engine 100 switchesbetween EQ profiles to provide at most a minimally perceptible change inradiation pattern for the user 50. That is, the equalization managementengine 100 is configured to switch between EQ profiles to provide adesirable radiation pattern of audio output in distinct speakerorientations.

In some examples, the equalization management engine 100 is furtherconfigured to adjust an audio output limit based on the switch betweentwo of the distinct equalization profiles. In certain cases, the audiooutput limit can be adjusted by selecting distinct limiter(s), tuningone or more limiters, or adjusting at least one limiter in a set, suchas increasing a high pass limiter relative to a low pass limiter.

As noted herein, in particular cases, the switch between EQ profiles canbe either: a) modified by a hysteresis factor, or b) smoothed accordingto a predefined pattern. These approaches can avoid unintended switchingbetween profiles, e.g., when a user only temporarily reorients theloudspeaker 20 and/or accidentally reorients the loudspeaker 20.

In some implementations, the hysteresis factor includes a time delaybetween the detected change in physical orientation and the switchbetween two of the distinct equalization profiles. In particular cases,the time delay is at least 100 milliseconds (ms). In some examples, thetime delay is at least: 110 ms, 120 ms, 130 ms, 140 ms, 150 ms, 160 ms,170 ms, 180 ms, 190 ms or 200 ms. In particular implementations, the EQmanagement engine 100 includes a machine learning engine that isconfigured to update the hysteresis factor based on detected changes inphysical orientation of the loudspeaker 20 over time. In these cases,the EQ management engine 100 trains the machine learning engine toupdate the hysteresis factor based on detected changes in physicalorientation of the loudspeaker 20 over time. For example, the EQmanagement engine 100 can increase the time delay in response todetecting a threshold number of false positives and/or rapidswitch-backs in orientation.

In some implementations, the EQ management engine 100 is configured tosmooth a transition between the distinct equalization profiles accordingto a predefined pattern. In particular cases, the transition is smoothedusing an exponential crossfade function, or a linear crossfade function.In particular examples, the crossfade duration is approximately 5 ms toapproximately 35 ms, and in more particular examples is approximately 20ms+/−5 ms to 10 ms. In these cases, the EQ management engine 100 canavoid or mitigate abrupt changes in equalization profiles using at leastone crossfade function.

In certain implementations, the EQ management engine 100 effectivelyswitches between equalization profiles without any discernable loss (or,change) in the quality of the audio output. That is, when operating asdesigned, the EQ management engine 100 can maintain high quality audiooutput across a plurality of orientations without abrupt, noticeableswitches in audio output. However, in certain cases, it may be desirableto alert the user 50 of a change in equalization profile, e.g., so thatthe user 50 can appreciate the technical benefits of the loudspeaker 20,and in particular, the EQ management engine 100. In some of these cases,the EQ management engine 100 is configured to provide an indicator tothe user 50 of the switch between EQ profiles (e.g., between EQ ProfileI and EQ Profile II (FIG. 5 ). In some examples, the indicator includesat least one of: ducking audio output at the loudspeaker 20, providing avisual indicator at the loudspeaker 20 (e.g., lighting change at theinterface 150 and/or a tactile indicator such as a vibration), and/or aninterface indicator such as on a connected device or controller (e.g.,device 90). Any other indicators such as audible, visual and/or tactileindicators can be used in additional implementations.

While various implementations are described with reference to a singleportable loudspeaker 20, in certain cases, at least one of theequalization profiles includes a pairing profile configured foroutputting audio while the portable loudspeaker 20 is in a stereo pairof loudspeakers or a stereo grouping of loudspeakers. In particularaspects, the pairing profile causes the EQ management engine 100 toperform spectral matching with the loudspeaker 20 and at least oneadditional loudspeaker in a stereo pair of the stereo grouping. Inadditional particular aspects, the pairing profile causes the EQmanagement engine 100 to perform spectral matching with the loudspeaker20 and at least one additional loudspeaker in the stereo grouping, suchas in a master speaker/worker speaker grouping.

In still further implementations, the EQ management engine 100 isconfigured to lock the equalization profile in response to a usercommand such that the equalization profile does not change in responseto the detected change in physical orientation of the loudspeaker 20. Inthese cases, the user 50 may wish to maintain the equalization profileregardless of the loudspeaker orientation. In certain cases, the user 50may wish to experience the difference in perceived audio output from thespeaker 20 in distinct orientations with the same equalization profile.

In even further aspects, the EQ management engine 100 is configured toinitiate a demonstration mode, e.g., to demonstrate functions of theorientation-based EQ adjustment. In certain cases, the EQ managementengine 100 initiates a demonstration mode by:

I) Prompting a user 50 to modify the physical orientation of theloudspeaker 20;

II(A): in a first mode: enabling the switching between two of thedistinct equalization profiles in response to detecting the change inphysical orientation of the loudspeaker 20; and

II(B): in a second mode: disabling the switching between two of thedistinct equalization profiles in response to detecting the change inphysical orientation of the loudspeaker 20. In these examples, theradiation pattern of the audio output from the loudspeaker 20 differssufficiently between the first mode and the second mode to beperceptible to the user 50. That is, the user is likely to perceive anaudible difference between the first mode and the second mode, and assuch, is likely to appreciate the technical benefits of theorientation-based equalization switching performed by the EQ managementengine 100 according to various implementations. Regarding the prompt(s)noted in (I) of the demonstration mode, user prompts can include a userinterface (UI) prompt, e.g., a prompt via one or more of: a connectedsmart device (e.g., device 90), the loudspeaker interface 150, and/or aconnected controller interface (e.g., a controller specific toloudspeaker 20).

As noted herein, the equalization management engine 100 is configured toprovide an audio output across a consistently desirable EQ profile,regardless of loudspeaker orientation. The equalization managementengine 100 can be configured to modify the switch between EQ profileswith a hysteresis factor or modify the switch with a smoothing factor,e.g., to avoid undesired and/or premature switching between EQ profiles.When compared with conventional speaker systems, the adaptiveequalization configuration of the equalization management engine 100enhances the user experience. In various implementations, theequalization management engine 100 has the technical effect ofcontrolling equalization profiles based on detected orientation of aloudspeaker 20.

The functionality described herein, or portions thereof, and its variousmodifications (hereinafter “the functions”) can be implemented, at leastin part, via a computer program product, e.g., a computer programtangibly embodied in an information carrier, such as one or morenon-transitory machine-readable media, for execution by, or to controlthe operation of, one or more data processing apparatus, e.g., aprogrammable processor, a computer, multiple computers, and/orprogrammable logic components.

A computer program can be written in any form of programming language,including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed inany form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component,subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. Acomputer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or onmultiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a network.

Actions associated with implementing all or part of the functions can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform the functions of the calibration process.All or part of the functions can be implemented as, special purposelogic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA and/or an ASIC (application-specificintegrated circuit). Processors suitable for the execution of a computerprogram include, by way of example, both general and special purposemicroprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digitalcomputer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data froma read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Components of acomputer include a processor for executing instructions and one or morememory devices for storing instructions and data.

In various implementations, electronic components described as being“coupled” can be linked via conventional hard-wired and/or wirelessmeans such that these electronic components can communicate data withone another. Additionally, sub-components within a given component canbe considered to be linked via conventional pathways, which may notnecessarily be illustrated.

Other embodiments not specifically described herein are also within thescope of the following claims. Elements of different implementationsdescribed herein may be combined to form other embodiments notspecifically set forth above. Elements may be left out of the structuresdescribed herein without adversely affecting their operation.Furthermore, various separate elements may be combined into one or moreindividual elements to perform the functions described herein.

1. A portable loudspeaker, comprising: a controller configured tocontrol an audio output according to at least two distinct equalizationprofiles and in at least two distinct physical orientations, wherein thecontroller is configured to switch between two of the distinctequalization profiles in response to detecting a change in physicalorientation of the portable loudspeaker between two of the distinctphysical orientations, as modified by a hysteresis factor, wherein thehysteresis factor includes a time delay between the detected change inphysical orientation and the switch between two of the distinctequalization profiles, wherein the time delay is at least 100milliseconds (ms).
 2. The portable loudspeaker of claim 1, furthercomprising: a transducer coupled with the controller for providing theaudio output; and at least one orientation sensor coupled with thecontroller for indicating the physical orientation of the portableloudspeaker.
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. The portable loudspeaker ofclaim 1, wherein the portable loudspeaker is configured to provide theaudio output in three distinct physical orientations according to twodistinct equalization profiles.
 6. The portable loudspeaker of claim 1,wherein the controller is configured to smooth a transition between thedistinct equalization profiles according to a predefined pattern. 7.(canceled)
 8. The portable loudspeaker of claim 1, wherein at least oneof the equalization profiles comprises a pairing profile configured foroutputting audio while the portable loudspeaker is in a stereo pair ofloudspeakers or a stereo grouping of loudspeakers, wherein the pairingprofile causes the controller to perform spectral matching with theportable loudspeaker and at least one additional loudspeaker in thestereo pair or the stereo grouping, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to provide an indicator to a user of the switch between thedistinct equalization profiles.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The portableloudspeaker of claim 1, wherein the switch between two of the distinctequalization profiles produces a change in a perceptible radiationpattern of the audio output by a user.
 11. The portable loudspeaker ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to adjust an audiooutput limit based on the switch between two of the distinctequalization profiles, wherein the portable loudspeaker has a singletransducer.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The portable loudspeaker of claim 1,wherein the controller is configured to lock the equalization profile inresponse to a user command such that the equalization profile does notchange in response to the detected change in physical orientation. 14.The portable loudspeaker of claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to initiate a demonstration mode by: prompting a user tomodify the physical orientation of the portable loudspeaker; in a firstmode: enabling the switching between two of the distinct equalizationprofiles in response to detecting the change in physical orientation;and in a second mode: disabling the switching between two of thedistinct equalization profiles in response to detecting the change inphysical orientation, such that a radiation pattern of the audio outputdiffers sufficiently between the first mode and the second mode to beperceptible to the user.
 15. A method of controlling an audio output ata portable loudspeaker configured to operate with at least two distinctequalization profiles in at least two distinct physical orientations,the method comprising: detecting a change in the physical orientation ofthe portable loudspeaker; and switching between two of the distinctequalization profiles in response to detecting the change in physicalorientation of the portable loudspeaker, as modified by a hysteresisfactor, wherein the hysteresis factor comprises a time delay between thedetected change in physical orientation and the switch between two ofthe distinct equalization profiles, wherein the time delay is at least100 milliseconds (ms).
 16. (canceled)
 17. The method of claim 15,further comprising smoothing a transition between the distinctequalization profiles according to a predefined pattern.
 18. The methodof claim 15, wherein the switch between two of the distinct equalizationprofiles produces a change in a perceptible radiation pattern of theaudio output by a user.
 19. A portable loudspeaker, comprising: acontroller configured to control an audio output according to at leasttwo distinct equalization profiles and in at least two distinct physicalorientations, wherein the controller is configured to switch between twoof the distinct equalization profiles in response to detecting a changein physical orientation of the portable loudspeaker between two of thedistinct physical orientations, wherein the switch between the twodistinct equalization profiles is smoothed according to a predefinedpattern.
 20. The portable loudspeaker of claim 19, wherein the switchbetween two of the distinct equalization profiles produces a change in aperceptible radiation pattern of the audio output by a user.
 21. Amethod of controlling an audio output at a portable loudspeakerconfigured to operate with at least two distinct equalization profilesin at least two distinct physical orientations, the method comprising:detecting a change in the physical orientation of the portableloudspeaker; and switching between two of the distinct equalizationprofiles in response to detecting the change in physical orientation ofthe portable loudspeaker, wherein switching between the two distinctequalization profiles is smoothed according to a predefined pattern. 22.The method of claim 21, wherein switching between two of the distinctequalization profiles produces a change in a perceptible radiationpattern of the audio output by a user.
 23. A portable loudspeaker,comprising: a controller configured to control an audio output accordingto at least two distinct equalization profiles and in at least twodistinct physical orientations, wherein the controller is configured toswitch between two of the distinct equalization profiles in response todetecting a change in physical orientation of the portable loudspeakerbetween two of the distinct physical orientations, as modified by ahysteresis factor, wherein the controller is further configured toadjust an audio output limit based on the switch between two of thedistinct equalization profiles.
 24. The portable loudspeaker of claim23, wherein the portable loudspeaker has a single transducer.
 25. Amethod of controlling an audio output at a portable loudspeakerconfigured to operate with at least two distinct equalization profilesin at least two distinct physical orientations, the method comprising:detecting a change in the physical orientation of the portableloudspeaker, switching between two of the distinct equalization profilesin response to detecting the change in physical orientation of theportable loudspeaker, and adjusting an audio output limit based on theswitch between two of the distinct equalization profiles.
 26. The methodof claim 25, wherein switching between two of the distinct equalizationprofiles produces a change in a perceptible radiation pattern of theaudio output by a user